Sant Ferran Castle

The Castle of Sant Ferran is a huge military fortress built in the 18th century on a hill located in the outskirts of the town Figueres. Designed to house a minimum garrison of 6,000 men and 230 cannons, the castle of Sant Ferran is considered to be the largest monument in Catalonia and the largest 18th-century fortress in Europe. It occupies an area of 32 ha within an outer perimeter of 3.5 km.

The construction of the fortress arise from the necessity to protect the border region of Empordà against the invasions of the French troops. Have taken almost 13 years to build their great defensive works, from 1753 to 1766. The name of Castillo de San Fernando has been received in honor of the King of Spain Fernando VI. The castle has been involved in important political and military events in its history. After being used as a military barracks and prison, in 1997 it was open to public visits.

The Castle of Sant Ferran offers multiple options for visits. You can freely visit the inner area using an audio guide. There is also the option of visiting the outer enclosure and underground spaces aboard off-road vehicles or inflatable boats, with prior reservation.

Highlights

✔ The interior defensive works, rectangular in shape, formed by 6 different sized bastions, connected by curtain walls.
✔ The exterior defensive works, very well preserved: the moat, with a surface of 10 ha, 3 hornworks, 2 counterguards, 7 ravelins and 5 countermine galleries.
✔ The interior of the fortified enclosure. It houses nine large buildings. In the center stands the parade square, with an area of 12,000 m2.
✔ The cisterns. Under the parade square is located drinking water reservoir of the fortress, formed by four large cisterns with a capacity of 40 million liters.
✔ The stables, an impressive nave where 450 horses could be accommodated. Today only half of the original building is preserved.